josh whitehead

Their are lots of articles being written today about people chasing the “things” of ministry over the God of the ministry. Things like

Numbers.

Influence.

Money.

Fame.

I love that Scripture leaves no stone unturned in dealing with the issues that we would face. I’m sure that there are lots of guys out there that are just trying to make a name for themselves. But, I think there are a lot more guys out there honestly trying to serve and honor Christ. They may get caught up in the “things” of ministry at times, but don’t we all. The disciples did. Remember this passage:

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

James and John (the disciple who Jesus loved) didn’t get it. They were not humble. They wanted places of prominence in His Kingdom. And, as He does in most of our lives, Jesus used it as a teachable moment. His advice: don’t be like the power-hungry Gentiles – be a servant. Instead of building your life, give your life away.

Sometimes, even the good guys get it wrong at times. They still love Christ and desire to serve Him with their lives. And, after course correction like James and John received, they will get it right.

Jesus came to build His Kingdom. Let’s just work at that and let Him decide who will be the greatest. Instead of getting mad at those who have it wrong, let’s pray for course correction, and keep building His Kingdom. After all, we’ll never truly know what we built our lives on until the end. It will all be clear (and likely embarrassing) then.